Abstract
Background: Non-absorbable materials (nylon) are always used in cinch sutures to maintain nasal width and to improve harmonious facial symmetry in orthognathic surgery. However, a few drawbacks of nylon materials have been clinically reported following orthognathic surgery, such as nasal irritation and exposure of the sutures. An absorbable material (PDS) has been proposed in cinch sutures, not only to avoid the complications of nylon but also to stabilize the nasal width for a long-term follow-up. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with Angle’s malocclusion classification III receiving orthognathic surgery were enrolled in this study. A non-absorbable material (nylon) and an absorbable material (PDS) were utilized for the cinch sutures. Pre-operative (T1) and post-operative six-month (T2) craniofacial 3D images were collected for all patients to measure the alar curvature (Ac) width and the alar base (Al) width. A significance level of p < 0.05 was applied in the statistical analysis. Results: With the approval of IRB, cinch suturing was performed with nylon in 29 patients and with PDS in 28 patients. Pre-operative Ac and Al distances showed no significant difference between these two groups. There were also no significant differences between the suture materials in the peri-operative change in nasal width, including Ac (nylon: 1.999 ± 1.40; PDS: 1.484 ± 0.97; p = 0.112) and Al (nylon: 1.861 ± 1.66; PDS: 1.115 ± 0.92; p = 0.056). Conclusions: For cinch sutures in orthognathic surgery, PDS can maintain the peri-operative nasal width similarly to nylon; additionally, it can be absorbed in a timely manner without the drawbacks of non-absorbable materials.
Highlights
In Steiner’s definition, class III malocclusion patients present a protrusive mandible and/or retrusive maxilla with a concave lateral facial profile [1,2]
Of the 57 patients enrolled in this study, 29 were sutured with nylon and 28 received
Pre-operatively, the nasal width and alar base distance presented no difference between these two groups
Summary
In Steiner’s definition, class III malocclusion patients present a protrusive mandible and/or retrusive maxilla with a concave lateral facial profile [1,2]. Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery is commonly performed in class III malocclusion patients to improve both occlusal function and facial esthetics and is able to provide a stable, long-term symmetric outcome [3,4]. A change in the related soft tissue after surgery, especially the nasolabial region, is a major concern for patients. The target is to achieve symmetrical facial esthetics by maintaining an original nasal width following the procedure. One method for controlling post-operative nasal soft tissue change is alar cinch sutures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
